Bicyclic nonane and decane compounds having dopamine receptor affinity

ABSTRACT

Described herein are D4 receptor-selective compounds of the general formula:  &lt;IMAGE&gt;  wherein: A and B are independently selected, optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered, homo- or heterocyclic rings; X1 is selected from CH2, O, NH, S, C=O, CH-OH, CH-N(C1-4alkyl)2, C=CHCl, C=CHCN, N-C1-4alkyl, N-acetyl, SO2and SO; X2 - - - is selected from N=, CH2-, CH=, C(O)-, O-, and S-; n is 1 or 2; R1 is selected from H and an amino acid side chain; R2 is selected from H, OH, C1-9alkyl, C1-9alkoxy, and benzyloxy; and R3 is selected from H, OH, halo, cyano, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, =O, =S, C1-4alkylsulfonyl, C1-4alkylsulfonyl, C1-4alkylthio, amino, and aminocarbonyl; and acid addition salts, solvates and hydrates thereof. Their use as ligands for dopamine receptor identification and in a drug screening program, and as pharmaceuticals to treat indications in which the D4 receptor is implicated, such as schizophrenia, is also described.

This invention relates to compounds that bind to the dopamine D4 receptor, to their preparation and their use for therapeutic and drug screening purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Neuronal cell receptors that bind the neurotransmitter dopamine constitute a group of at least five structurally distinct proteins that can now be produced using recombinant DNA techniques. These techniques have been applied to construct cell lines that incorporate the dopamine receptor in their membranes, to provide regenerable and homogeneous substrates with which chemical libraries can be screened to identify potential CNS-active drugs.

Recent evidence strongly implicates the dopamine receptor classified as D4 in the etiology of schizophrenia. It has been suggested that compounds capable of interfering with the function of this receptor, which is present in schizophrenics at levels that are six times normal, would be useful in the treatment of this disease (Seeman et al, Nature, 1993, 365:441). Some drugs currently on the market in fact exhibit the desired antagonism of D4 receptor activity, and bind with relative strong affinity to the receptor. Yet because of their structure, these drugs interact also with related dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 receptor type, which results in significant side effects that include altered motor function and tachycardia. It would be desirable to provide compounds that exhibit not only a high degree of affinity for the D4 receptor, but also a relatively low degree of affinity for the D2 receptor. In this specification, this desired combination of receptor binding properties is referred to as D4 selectivity.

Products currently marketed to treat indications in which the D4 receptor function is implicated include the dibenzodiazepine, clozapine, and the dibenzoxazepine, isoloxapine. Analysis of their dopamine receptor binding properties has shown that the preference for binding the D4 receptor relative to the D2 receptor is about 10 fold, for both products. Similarly, both bind the D4 receptor with about the same affinity (Ki value approximately 20 nM). Other products, recently published in the scientific literature, have shown similar D4 to D2 selectivity profile and D4 affinity values.

It is an object of the present to provide a compound that binds to the D4 receptor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compound having an improved D4 selectivity profile.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a compound having an improved D4 binding affinity.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a compound having both an improved D4 selectivity profile and D4 binding affinity.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention, as active ingredient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compound of Formula I: ##STR2## wherein: A and B are independently selected, optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated

5- or 6-membered, homo- or heterocyclic rings;

X₁ is selected from CH₂, O, NH, S, C═O, CH--OH, CH--N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, C═CHCl, C═CHCN, N-C₁₋₄ alkyl, N-acetyl, SO₂ and SO;

X₂ - - - is selected from N═, CH₂ --, CH═, C(O)--, O--, and S--;

n is 1 or 2;

R₁ is selected from H and an amino acid side chain;

R₂ is selected from H, OH, C₁₋₉ alkyl, C₁₋₉ alkoxy, and benzyloxy; and

R₃ is selected from H, OH, halo, cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, ═O, ═S, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfoxyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, amino, and aminocarbonyl;

and acid addition salts, solvates and hydrates thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an analytical method in which a compound of the invention is used either to distinguish the D4 receptor from other receptor types or from the D2 receptor.

These and other aspects of the present invention are now described in greater detail hereinbelow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention relates to compounds that bind the dopamine D4 receptor in a selective manner, relative to the dopamine D2 receptor. It has been found, more particularly, that the D4 selectivity of D4-binding ligands having the tricyclic structure: ##STR3## is significantly improved when the piperazine group is derivatized to form the bicyclic ring of the structure: ##STR4##

In accordance with one of its aspects, the present invention accordingly provides compounds that conform to Formula I: ##STR5##

In embodiments of the invention, R₂ is selected from H, OH, C₁₋₉ alkyl, C₁₋₉ alkoxy, and benzyloxy. Particular embodiments of the invention include those in which R₂ is H, OH, and benzyloxy. In a preferred embodiment of the invention R₂ is H.

R₁ is selected from an amino acid side chain. It is to be understood that the term "amino acid side chain" refers to the α-carbon side chain on amino acids, and particularly the naturally occurring amino acids in either D or L orientation and derivatives thereof. Particular embodiments of the invention include those in which R₁ is selected from H, OH, C₁₋₄ alkyl, thio-C₁₋₄ alkyl, amino-C₁₋₄ alkyl, carboxy-C₁₋₄ alkyl, guanidino-C₁₋₄ alkyl and aminocarbonyl-C₁₋₄ alkyl. In a specific embodiment of the invention, R₁ is H.

R₃ is selected from H, OH, halo, cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, ═O, ═S, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfoxyl, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, amino, and aminocarbonyl; Particular embodiments of the invention include those in which R₃ is selected from H, OH, halo, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenoxy and benzyloxy. In a specific embodiment of the invention, R₃ is H.

In an embodiment of the invention, the bicyclic ring coupled to the tricyclic structure may be a 1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane (when n=1) or a 1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decane (when n=2). In a specific embodiment of the invention, the chiral carbon at the 6-position of the nonane bicycle or decane bicycle is oriented in the S configuration as in FIG. II: ##STR6##

The tricyclic function to which the bicyclic ring is coupled can have various structures and will typically incorporate those found to be important for dopamine D4 receptor binding. In other words, the tricycles suitable for coupling to the bicyclic ring are those which, when substituted by functions other than the bicyclic ring, are determined by the assay herein described, to bind the D4 receptor (preferably the human D4 receptor) with an affinity not greater than 1 μM (Ki). In particular, the rings A and B are selected, according to embodiments of the invention, from benzene, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrole, imidazole, triazole, pyrazole, thiophene, thiazole, furan, and pyran. In a particular embodiment, ring A is selected from benzene and pyridine and ring B is selected from benzene, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrole, imidazole, triazole, pyrazole, thiophene, thiazole, furan and pyran; and is particularly selected from benzene and pyridine. In specific embodiments of the invention, both rings A and B are benzene. It is to be appreciated that when rings A and B are heterocycles, the heteroatoms are shared with the central seven membered ring only when the shared heteroatom is N. Such tricycles are within the scope of the Formula I; one embodiment of which is described by Lednicer et al in The Organic Chemistry of Drug Synthesis, (1992, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York) wherein ring B is imidazole that is fused to a thiazepine at one of the imidazole nitrogen atoms.

One or both rings A and B may be substituted with from 1 to 3, usually 1 or 2, substituents. When substituted, the substituents are selected from hydroxyl, halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, amino, nitro, cyano, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄ acyl, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ acyl, cyclo-C₃₋₇ alkyl, thio-C₁₋₄ alkylene, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ alkylthio, cyanothio, tetrazolyl, N-piperidinyl, N-piperazinyl, N-morpholinyl, acetamido, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, halosulfonyl, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, sulfonamido, C₁₋₄ alkylseleno, and OSO₃ H.

Substitution sites on rings A and B will be limited in practice to the carbon atoms on the ring that are not shared with the central seven membered ring. For example, a benzene ring can accomodate up to 4 substituents; pyridine, and pyran rings can accomodate up to 3 substituents; pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrole, furan and thiophene rings can accomodate up to 2 substituents; imidazole, pyrazole and thiazole rings can accomodate only 1 substituent; and a triazole ring can accomodate no substituents. It is also to be understood that rings A and B may incorporate substituents at nitrogen atoms on the ring that are not shared with the central seven membered ring. For example the NH member of an imidazole ring may be substituted. In particular embodiments, rings A and B are substituted with from 1 to 2 substituents selected from chloro, fluoro, methyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, nitro, cyano and methylthio. In particularly preferred embodiments ring A is benzene substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from chloro, methyl, nitro and cyano and ring B is benzene substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from chloro, methoxy, trifluoromethyl and nitro.

In the central, 7-membered ring of the tricycle, X₁ may be any one of CH₂, O, NH, S, C═O, CH--OH, CH--N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, C═CHCl, C═CHCN, N--C₁₋₄ alkyl, N-acetyl, SO₂ and SO, while X₂ - - - may be any one of N═, CH₂ --, CH═, C(O)--, O--, and S--. In a particular embodiment of the invention, X₁ is O, S or NH. In another embodiment, X₂ - - - is N═ or CH═. In a particularly preferred embodiment, X₁ is O, S or NH and X₂ - - - is N═ or CH═. In specific embodiments X₁ and X₂ - - - are selected to form a seven membered ring selected from oxazepine, diazepine, thiazepine and thiepine.

In preferred embodiments X₁ and X₂ - - - together with rings A and B are selected to form a tricycle that is elected from 5H-dibenzo[b,e]-1,4-diazepine that is optionally substituted, for example with one of 7,8-dichloro, 7,8-dimethyl, 2-chloro, 3-chloro, 4-chloro, 2,4-dichloro, 4,7,8-trichloro, 2-trifluoromethyl, 1-fluoro, or 2-methoxy; dibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine that is optionally substituted, for example with one of 4-nitro, 8-chloro, 4-cyano or 4-chloro; dibenzo[b,f]thiepine that is optionally substituted, for example with one of 2-nitro or 2-chloro; 11H-dibenzo[b,f]thiepine that is optionally substituted, for example with 2-methylthio; and dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-thiazepine that is optionally substituted, for example with 8-chloro. In a specific embodiment of the invention, X₁ and X₂ - - - together with rings A and B are form a tricycle which is 8-chlorodibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, there are provided compounds of formula (I) that bind to the D4 receptor, including:

8-chloro-11-[(R,S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-benzyloxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; and

8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-hydroxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine.

In a more preferred embodiment, there are provided compounds of formula (I) exhibiting better D4 selectivity than clozapine, including:

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8benzyloxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4oxazepine; and

8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-hydroxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4oxazepine.

In a more preferred embodiment, there are provided compounds of formula (I) exhibiting better D4 affinity than clozapine, including:

8-chloro-11-[(R,S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; and

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

In a most preferred embodiment, there are provided compounds of formula (I) exhibiting better D4 affinity and selectivity than clozapine, including:

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; and

8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine;

Acid addition salts of the compound of Formula I include for example those formed with inorganic acids e.g. hydrochloric, sulphuric or phosphoric acids and organic acids e.g. succinic, maleic, acetic or fumaric acid. Other non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts e.g. oxalates may be used for example in the isolation of compounds of Formula I for ligand use, or for subsequent conversion to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt. Also included within the scope of the invention are solvates and hydrates of the invention. The conversion of a given compound salt to a desired compound salt is achieved by applying standard techniques, in which an aqueous solution of the given salt is treated with a solution of base e.g. sodium carbonate or potassium hydroxide, to liberate the free base which is then extracted into an appropriate solvent, such as ether. The free base is then separated from the aqueous portion, dried, and treated with the requisite acid to give the desired salt.

It will be appreciated that certain compounds of Formula I may contain an asymmetric centre. Such compounds will exist as two (or more) optical isomers (enantiomers). Both the pure enantiomers and the racemic mixtures (50% of each enantiomer), as well as unequal mixtures of the two, are included within the scope of the present invention. Further, all diastereomeric forms possible (pure enantiomers and mixtures thereof) are within the scope of the invention.

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared by processes analogous to those known in the art. The present invention therefore provides, in a further aspect, a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula I or a salt, solvate or hydrate thereof, which comprises the step of coupling a reagent of Formula A: ##STR7## with a reagent of Formula B: ##STR8## in the presence of diisopropylethylamine in acetonitrile (DIEA).

The iminochloride, regeant (A), can be obtained commercially or can be synthesized using established techniques, for example, by treating the corresponding ketone (reagent Q) with PCI₅. Reagent Q may itself be commercially available or synthesiized. For example, when X₁ is NH and X₂ - - - is N═(a diazepine), reagent (Q) may be prepared according to the procedures described by Giani et al (Synthesis, 1985,550) by refluxing equimolar amounts of 2-chlorobenzoic acid, o-phenylene-diamine and powdered copper in chlorobenzene. The following is a schematic representation of the reaction to obtain the diazepine form of reagent (Q): ##STR9##

When X₁ is O and X₂ - - - is N═(an oxazepine), reagent (Q) may be prepared according to the procedures described by Klunder (J. Med. Chem. 1992, 35:1887) by condensation of a 2-aminophenol with 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoyl chloride in THF to afford the corresponding carboxamide followed by refluxing with NaOH for ring closure. The following is a schematic representation of the steps to obtain the oxazepine form of reagent (Q):

The thiepine form of reagent (Q), i.e. when X₁ is S and X₂ - - - is CH═, may be prepared according to the procedures described by Sindelar et al (Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun, 1983, 48(4):1187). When reagent (Q) is an oxepine i.e. when X₁ is O and X₂ - - - is CH₂ --, it may be prepared in the manner reported by Harris et al (J. Med. Chem., 1982, 25(7):855); and the corresponding cycloheptene reagent (Q) i.e. when X₁ and X₂ - - - are both CH₂, may be prepared as reported by De Paulis et al (J. Med. Chem. 1981,24(9):1021). The thiazepine reagent (Q) may be prepared in a four step process starting from 1-bromo-2-nitrobenzene and methyl thiosalicylate. The steps involve coupling; reduction of the nitro group; hydrolysis of the ester group; and finally ring closure. ##STR10##

Reagents of Formula B are synthesized using established synthetic techniques from starting materials that are commercially available. Particularly, reagent B can be made by coupling two amino acids of the general formulae C and D: ##STR11## wherein R₁, R₂ and R₃ have the meaning described above and PG is a suitable protecting group such as Fmoc. Reagent C and D are coupled using a suitable coupling agent such as 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide (EDCI) followed by deprotection and cyclization, then reduction of the resulting diketopiperazine using a suitable reducing agent such as LiAlH₄.

A selected R₁ substituent in compounds of the invention is introduced by employing a commercially available reagent D amino acid or derivative thereof with a side chain that corresponds to the selected R₁. In the case where the desired reagent D is not commercially available, it may be synthesized from another amino acid that is commercially available using established synthetic techniques.

The R₂ substituent is introduced to compounds of the invention by employing a commercially available reagent C that is derivatized at R₂ with H, OH, C₁₋₉ alkoxy, C₁₋₉ alkyl or benzyloxy. Reagent C wherein R₂ is OH, is commercially available and can serve as a starting material for synthesizing a corresponding reagent C wherein R₂ is alkoxy, alkyl or benzyloxy. Alternatively, a compound according to formula I wherein R₂ is OH can be subsequently derivatized to the corresponding alkoxy, alkyl or benzyloxy using established synthetic techniques. Similarly R₃ may be introduced to compounds of the invention by employing an appropriately derivatized reagent C. Again, an OH group at R₃ of reagent D (prepared according to the procedures described by Cooper et al, J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans., 1993, p. 1313) can serve as the starting material to yield the selected R₃ substituent prior or subsequent to coupling with reagent D.

Reagent D is commercially available as a proline derivative (when n=1) or a piperidine derivative (when n=2) to give the desired bicyclic nonane or decane compound, respectively. The orientation of the chiral carbon at the 6-position of the nonane and decane is introduced according to the orientation of the reagent D. For example, when reagent D is L-proline, the resulting bicyclic nonane will have an (6S) configuration.

For use as a ligand, the present compounds can be stored in packaged form for reconstitution and use. The compounds can be used to distinguish dopamine receptors from other receptor types, for example glutamate and opioid receptors, within a population of receptors and in particular to distinguish between the D4 and D2 receptors. The latter can be achieved by incubating preparations of the D4 receptor and of the D2 receptor with a D4 selective compound of the invention and then incubating the resulting preparation with a radiolabelled dopamine receptor ligand, such as ³ H-spiperone. The D2 and D4 receptors are then distinguished by determining the difference in membrane-bound radioactivity, with the D4 receptor exhibiting lesser radioactivity, i.e., lesser ³ H-spiperone binding.

In another embodiment of the invention; the compound is provided in labelled form, such as radiolabelled form e.g. labelled by incorporation within its structure of ³ H or ¹⁴ C or by conjugation to ¹²⁵ I. Such radiolabelled forms can be used to directly to distinguish between dopamine D4 and dopamine D2 receptors. Furthermore, radiolabelled forms of the present compounds can be exploited to screen for more potent dopamine D4 ligands, by determining the ability of the test ligand to displace the radiolabelled compound of the present invention.

The clozapine-like binding profile of the present compounds indicates their utility as pharmaceuticals that may be useful for the treatment of various conditions in which the use of a dopamine D4 receptor ligand is indicated, such as for the treatment of anxiety and schizophrenia.

For use in medicine, the compounds of the present invention are usually administered in a standard pharmaceutical composition. The present invention therefore provides, in a further aspect, pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The compounds of the present invention may be administered by an convenient route, for example by oral, parenteral, buccal, sublingual, nasal, rectal or transdermal administration and the pharmaceutical compositions formulated accordingly.

The compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active when given orally can be formulated as liquids, for example syrups, suspensions or emulsions, tablets, capsules and lozenges.

A liquid formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a suitable pharmaceutical liquid carrier for example, ethanol, glycerine, non-aqueous solvent, for example polyethylene glycol, oils, or water with a suspending agent, preservative, flavouring or colouring agent.

A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier routinely used for preparing solid formulations. Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose and cellulose.

A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures. For example, pellets containing the active ingredient can be prepared using standard carriers and then filled into hard gelatin capsule; alternatively, a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier, for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and the dispersion or suspension filled into a soft gelatin capsule.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a sterile aqueous carrier or parenterally acceptable oil, for example polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil or sesame oil. Alternatively, the solution can be lyophilized and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

Compositions for nasal administration may conveniently be formulated as aerosols, drops, gels and powders. Aerosol formulations typically comprise a solution or fine suspension of the active substance in a physiologically acceptable aqueous or nonaqueous solvent and are usually presented in single or multidose quantities in sterile form in a sealed container, which can take the form of a cartridge or refill for use with an atomising device. Alternatively, the sealed container may be a unitary dispensing device such as a single dose nasal inhaler or an aerosol dispenser fitted with a metering valve which is intended for disposal after use. Where the dosage form comprises an aerosol dispenser, it will contain a propellant which can be a compressed gas such as compressed air or an organic propellant such as flurochlorohydrocarbon. The aerosol dosage forms can also take the form of a pump-atomizer.

Compositions suitable for buccal or sublingual administration include tablets, lozenges, and pastilles, wherein the active ingredient is formulated with a carrier such as sugar, acacia, tragacanth, or gelatin and glycerine.

Compositions for rectal administration are conveniently in the form of suppositories containing a conventional suppository base such as cocoa butter.

Preferably, the composition is in unit dose form such as a tablet, capsule or ampoule. Suitable unit doses i.e. therapeutically effective amounts; can be determined during clinical trials designed appropriately for each of the conditions for which administration of a chosen compound is indicated and will of course vary depending on the desired clinical endpoint. It is anticipated that dosage sizes appropriate for administering the compounds of the examples will be roughly equivalent to, or slightly less than, those used currently for clozapine. Accordingly, each dosage unit for oral administration may contain from 1 to about 500 mgs, and will be administered in a frequency appropriate for initial and maintenance treatments.

EXAMPLE 1 (S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane

N-Fmoc-L-proline (10.11 g; 0.030 mol), glycine methyl ester hydrochloride (3.76 g; 0.030 mol), EDCI (6.89 g; 0.036 mol) and hydroxybenzotriazole (4.86 g; 0.036 mol) were dissolved in anhydrous methylene chloride (150 mL) under an atmosphere of argon. Triethylamine (8.35 mL; 0.060 mol; Aldrich) was added to this solution via syringe and the mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was then washed with water (2×100 mL) and brine (1×100 mL), dried over MgSO₄ and evaporated to dryness to give a white foam (9.90 g, 81%).

The above dipeptide (9.90 g; 0.024 mol) was dissolved in methanol (100 mL) under an atmosphere of argon and triethylamine (16.84 mL; 0.12 mol) was added via syringe. The resulting mixture was heated to reflux for 2 hours, then concentrated and the diketopiperazine product precipitated by trituration with ether. A white solid was obtained (3.28 g, 88%); mp 201°-203° C.

The diketopiperazine (4.00 g; 0.026 mol) was added, portionwise, to a slurry of lithium aluminum hydride (4.03 g; 0.11 mol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 mL). The reaction mixture was then heated to reflux for 15 minutes. Quenching was performed at 0° C. using 6 mL of water, 6 mL of 15% NaOH and finally 15 mL of water. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated to give a yellow oil which was purified by microdistillation (bp 50°-60° C.; 100 millitorr) to a colorless oil (1.98 g; 61%).

In a like manner, the following additional compounds were prepared:

a) (R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane; 50.3% yield; bp 50°-60° C., 100 millitorr;

b) (S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decane 26% yield; bp 90°-100° C., 200 millitorr;

c) (R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decane; 43% yield; bp 90°-100° C. 200 millitorr; and

d) (6S)-8-benzyloxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane; 77% yield.

e) (R,S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decane; 50.7% yield; bp 55° C., 100 millitorr.

EXAMPLE 2 8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine

To a stirred solution of 8-chloro-10,11-dihydrodibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine-11-one (1.04 g; 4.23 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (20 mL) was added PCl₅ (1.06 g; 5.08 mmol) as a solid in one portion under an atmosphere of argon. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 4 hours, then cooled to room temperature and concentrated. The oily residue was redissolved in toluene (10 mL) and concentrated once again. Drying on a vacuum line provided the desired iminochloride as a yellow solid that was used for the next reaction without further purification.

The iminochloride (0.585 g; 2.22 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile (20 mL) and DIEA (1.54 mL; 8.87 mmol) was added via syringe followed by (S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane (0.419 g; 3.32 mmol) under an atmosphere of argon. The solution was heated to reflux overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was concentrated then the residue was redissolved in methylene chloride. The solution was then washed with water (1×50 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to give a yellow oil. Purification of the product was conducted on silica gel using 30% acetone in hexane as the eluent to give 0.149 (19%) mg of an off-white solid; mp 118°-120° C.; R_(f) (20% acetone/hexanes): 0.13; HRMS (FAB): MH⁺ of C₂₀ H₂₀ N₃ OCl, calculated 354.1373, found 354.1333; [α]_(D) +6.73.

The hydrochloride salt of the title compound is subsequently prepared by dissolving the base (0.17 g;0.478 mmol) in 0.5 mL of 3N-HCl in ethyl acetate, then stirring at room temperature for 15 minutes. The solution is removed under vacuum and the resulting oil was triturated with dry methanol (5 mL). The solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the hydrochloride salt; 0.177 g, 95%; mp 150° C. (dec).

In a like manner, the following additional compounds were prepared:

a) 8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; 20% yield; mp 121°-123° C.; Rf(20% acetone/hexanes): 0.13; [α]_(D) -3.09;

b) 8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; 72% yield; mp 62°-64° C.; Rf(20% acetone/hexanes): 0.27; [α]_(D) -16.3;

c) 8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4oxazepine; 56% yield; mp 62°-64° C.; Rf(20% acetone/hexanes): 0.27; [α]_(D) +15.3; and

d) 8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-benzyloxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; 24% yield; mp 56°-58° C.; Rf(20% acetone/hexanes): 0.20; HRMS (FAB) MH⁺ of C₂₇ H₂₆ N₃ O₂ Cl, calculated 460.1792, found 460.1787.

e) 8-chloro-11-[(R,S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; 16% yield; mp 61°-64° oC.

EXAMPLE 3 8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-hydroxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo [b,f]-1,4-oxazepine

8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-t-butoxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine (0.211 g, 0.495 mmol), prepared as described above, was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (10 mL) and stirred for 15 minutes. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was redissolved in methylene chloride (20 mL). Triethylamine (0.100 g, 0.991 mmol) was then added via syringe and the resulting solution was stirred for 1 hour. Washing with water (50 mL), drying over MgSO₄ and concentrating resulted in a white solid (0.180 g, 99%); mp 94°-96° C.; Rf(35% acetone/hexanes): 0.15; HRMS (FAB) MH⁺ of C₂₀ H₂₀ N₃ O₂ Cl, calculated 370.1322, found 370.1 318.

EXAMPLE 4 Receptor Binding Assay

D2 and D4 receptor-binding affinities of the compounds of examples 2 and 3 were evaluated according to their ability to reduce binding of ³ H-spiperone as compared to the reference compound clozapine. The potency of the test compound to reduce ³ H-spiperone binding directly correlated to its binding affinity for the receptor.

D4 Receptor Preparation

HEK 298 (human embryonic kidney) cells stably transfected with human D4 receptor (D4.2 sub-type) were grown in NUNC cell factories for 5 days (75% confluency) without a media change and removed with versene (approximately 19 mg of cells per cell factory tray). The cells were then centrifuged in a Sorval centrifuge for 10 min, 5000 rpm (GS3 rotor) and the pellets quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80° C. until used in binding assay. When used in the assay, cells were thawed on ice for 20 min and then 10 ml of incubation buffer (50 mM Tris, 1 mM EDTA, 4 mM MgCl₂, 5 mM KCl, 1.5 mM CaCl₂, 120 mM NaCl, pH7.4) was added. The cells were then vortexed to resuspend pellet and homogenized with a Kinematica CH-6010 Kriens-LU homogenizer for 15 seconds at setting 7. Concentration of receptor protein was determined using the Pierce BCA assay.

D2 Receptor Preparation

GH₄ C₁ (rat pituitary) cells stably transfected with the human D2 receptor (short isoform) were grown in CO₂ independent media in roller bottles (1500 cm²) for 10 days. 100 μM ZnSO₄ was added to the cells (the D2 promoter being zinc inducible). After 16 hours, fresh media was added to allow the cells to recover for 24 hours. The cells were harvested using versine and then centrifuged in a Sorval centrifuge for 10 minutes, at 5000 rpm (GS3 rotor). Pellets were quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 ° C. until used in the binding assays. When used in the assay, cells were thawed on ice for 20 minutes. Each roller bottle produced approximately 72 mg of protein. 10 ml of incubation buffer was added to the pellets which were then vortexed, resuspended and homogenized with a Kinematica CH-6010 Kriens-LU homogenizer for 15 seconds at setting 7. The receptor protein concentration was determined using the Pierce BCA assay.

Total Spiperone Binding Assay

The incubation was started by the addition of 500 μl (50 μprotein) membrane homogenate to a solution of 900 μl incubation buffer and 100 μl (0.25 mM final conc.) ³ H-spiperone (90 Ci/mmol Amersham diluted in borosilicate glass vial) in 12×75 mm polypropylene tubes. The tubes were vortexed and incubated at room temperature for 90 minutes. The binding reaction was stopped by filtering using a Brandell Cell Harvester. The samples were filtered under vacuum over glass fibre filters (Whatman GF/B) presoaked for 2 hours in 0.3% polyethylenimine (PEI)in 50 mM Tris buffer (pH7.4). The filters were then washed 3 times with 5 ml ice cold 50 mM Tris buffer (pH7.4). Individual filter disks were put in scintillation vials (Biovials, Bechman). Ready Protein Plus liquid scintillant (5 ml, Beckman) was added and the vials counted by liquid scintillation spectrophotometry (Beckman LSC 6500) after equilibrating for three hours at room temperature to determine total binding (B_(T)).

Non-Specific Binding Assay for D4

The incubation was started by the addition of 500 μl (50 μg protein) membrane homogenate to a solution of 400 μl incubation buffer, 100 μl ³ H-spiperone (90 Ci/mmol Amersham diluted in borosilicate glass vial to 0.25 nM final conc.) and 500 μl (30 μM final conc.) of fresh dopamine (Research Biochemicals Inc., light protected and dissolved in incubation buffer) in 12×75 mm polypropylene tubes. The tubes were vortexed and incubated at room temperature for 90 minutes at which time the binding reaction was stopped by filtering. The filters were washed and counted using the same procedure as in the total binding assay described above to give the non-specific binding value (NSB).

Non-Specific Binding Assay for D2

This assay employed the same procedures as the non-specific binding assay for D4 with the exception that 2 μM (final conc.) of (-) sulpiride (Research Chemicals Inc.) was used in place of dopamine.

Displacement Binding Assay

The incubation was started by the addition to 12×75 mm polypropylene tubes 500 μl (50 μg protein) membrane homogenate to a solution of 400 μl incubation buffer, 100 μl (0.25 final conc.) ³ H-spiperone (90 Ci/mmol, Amersham, diluted in borosilicate glass vial to) and 500 μl of test compound that was prepared from 1 mM stock dissolved in DMSO and stored at -20° C. in polypropylene cryogenic storage vials until dilution in incubation buffer in borosilicate glass vials. The tubes were vortexed and incubated at room temperature for 90 minutes at which time the binding reaction was stopped by filtering. The filters were washed and counted using the same procedure as in the total binding assay described above to give the displacement binding value (B_(D)).

Calculations

The test compounds were initially assayed at 1 and 0.1 μM and then at a range of concentrations chosen such that the middle dose would cause about 50% inhibition of ³ H-spiperone binding. Specific binding in the absence of test compound (B_(O)) was the difference of total binding (B_(T)) minus non-specific binding (NSB) and similarly specific binding (in the presence of test compound) (B) was the difference of displacement binding (B_(D)) minus non-specific binding (NSB). IC₅₀ was determined from an inhibition response curve, logit-log plot of %B/B_(O) vs concentration of test compound.

Ki was calculated by the Cheng and Prustoff transformation:

    Ki=IC.sub.50 /(1 + [L]/K.sub.D)

where [L] is the concentration of ³ H-spiperone used in the assay and K_(D) is the dissociation constant of ³ H-spiperone determined independently under the same binding conditions.

Assay results are reported in the following Table, and show clearly the advantage in terms of D4 selectivity and or binding affinity of compounds of the invention over clozapine.

    __________________________________________________________________________     D4 AFFINITY AND SELECTIVITY                                                    COMPOUND       STRUCTURE                  Ki D2/D4                             __________________________________________________________________________     clozapine                                                                                      ##STR12##                 23 10                                8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4- diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]- dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxaze     pine                                                                                           ##STR13##                 1.2                                                                               104.5                             8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4- diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]- dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxaze     pine                                                                                           ##STR14##                 18 32.2                              8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4- diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]- dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxa     zepine                                                                                         ##STR15##                 1  40                                8-chloro-11-[(R)-1,4- diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]- dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxa     zepine                                                                                         ##STR16##                 402                                                                               4.1                               8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-benzyloxy- 1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4- yl]-dibenzo[b     ,f]-1,4-oxazepine                                                                              ##STR17##                 24 25.6                              8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-hydroxy- 1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4- yl]-dibenzo[b,f     ]-1,4-oxazepine                                                                                ##STR18##                 28 18.2                              8-chloro-11-[(R,S)-1,4- diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]- dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-o     xazepine                                                                                       ##STR19##                 15.7                                                                              6.8                               __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 5 Functional Assay

The D4 receptor responds to dopamine and other agonists by reducing adenyl cyclase mediated production of cyclic AMP. Particular test compounds were assayed for their ability to reverse dopamine inhibition of adenyl cyclase by the following procedure. Forskolin was used to elevate the basal adenyl cyclase activity.

CHO Pro 5 cells stably expressing human D4 receptors were plated in 6 well plates in DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium)/F12 (Nutrient Mixture F12 (Ham)) media with 10% FCS (fetal calf serum) and G418 (Geneticen Disulfate), and incubated at 37° C. in a CO₂ incubator. The cells were allowed to grow to about 70% confluence before use in the assay.

Antagonist Assay

The culture media of each well was removed by aspiration, and the wells were washed once with serum free media (SFM) (DMEM/F12) media. Then 2 mL of fresh SFM + IBMX media (SFM with 0.5 mM IBMX (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine 0.1% ascorbic acid and 10 μM pargyline) was added to each well and then incubated at 37° C. for 10 minutes in CO₂ incubator. Following incubation, SFM + IBMX media was aspirated and fresh SFM + IBMX media was added to wells separately with one of a) forskolin (10 μM final conc.); b) dopamine and forskolin (both 10 μM final conc.); and c) test compound (1 and 0.1 μM), and dopamine and forskolin (both 10 μM final conc.). Basal adenyl cyclase activity was determined from wells with only SFM = IBMX media added.

The cells were then incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes in a CO₂ incubator. Following incubation the media was aspirated from each well and then washed once with 2 mL of PBS (phosphate buffered saline). Each well was then treated with 1 mL cold 95% ethanol: 5 mM EDTA (2:1) at 4° C. for 1 hr. The cells from each well were then scraped and transferred into individual Eppendorf tubes. The tubes were centrifuged for 5 min at 4° C., and the supernatants were transferred to new Eppendorf tubes. The pellets were discarded and the supernatants dried using a SpeedVac. The extracts were then reconstituted in 600μL of 0.1M sodium acetate buffer, pH 6.1, and stored at 4° C. until assayed for cAMP concentration. cAMP content measured in fmoles/well for each extract was determined by EIA (enzyme-immunoassay) using Amersham Biotrak cAMP EIA kit (Amersham RPN 225).

Total inhibition (I_(O)) of forskolin-stimulated adenyl cyclase activity by dopamine was determined as the difference in concentration of cAMP in the forskolin-treated cells (C_(f)) and dopamine-forskolin treated cells (C_(d)).

    I.sub.O =C.sub.f -C.sub.d

Net inhibition (I) of forskolin-stimulated adenyl cyclase activity by dopamine in the presence of an antagonist was determined as the difference in concentration of cAMP in the forskolin-treated cells (C_(f)) and test compound, dopamine and forskolin treated cells (C).

    I=C.sub.f -C

The ability of the test compounds to reverse the dopamine inhibition (% reversal, %R) was determined by the formula:

    %R=(1-I/I.sub.O)×100

    ______________________________________                                                            % REVERSAL OF                                                                  DOPAMINE EFFECT                                             COMPOUND             1 μM 10 μM                                          ______________________________________                                         clozapine            10      62                                                8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-                                                                               23      48                                                diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-                                                  dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine                                                     8-chloro-11-[(S)-1,4-                                                                               52      93                                                diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-                                                dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine                                                     ______________________________________                                    

Agonist Assay

To D4 stably expressing CHO cells prepared as previously described were added test compound and forskolin (10 μM final concentration). The cells were incubated, extracted and measured for cAMP concentration as above. Agonist activity of a test compound would result in a decrease in cAMP concentration compared to cells treated with forskolin (C_(f)) only. No decrease was observed, therefore the test compounds exhibited no dopamine agonist activity. it is predicted based on structural and biological functional similarities that the remaining compounds of the invention would also exhibit dopamine antagonist activity. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of Formula II ##STR20## wherein: A and B are independently benzene unsubstituted or substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected independently from hydroxyl, halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, amino, nitro, cyano, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄ acyl, cyclo-C₁₋₄ alkyl, thio-C₁₋₄ alkylene, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, halo-substituted C₁₋₄ alkylthio, cyanothio, tetrazolyl, N-piperidinyl, N-piperazinyl, N-morpholinyl, acetamido, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, halosulfonyl, halo-substituted, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfoxyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, sulfonamido, C₁₋₄ alkylseleno, and OSO₃ Heither X₁ is O, S, SO or SO₂ andX₂ is N; or X₁ is NH, N-C₁₋₄ alkyl or N-acetyl and X₂ is O or S; n is 1 or 2, R₁ is selected from H and an α carbon side chain of an amino acid; R₂ is selected from H, OH, C₁₋₉ alkyl, C₁₋₉ alkoxy, and benzyloxy; and R₃ is selected from H, OH, halo, cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, ═O, ═S, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfoxyl, C₁₋₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁₋₄ alkythio, amino, and aminocarbonyl; and acid addition salts, solvates and hydrates thereof, wherein said compound is essentially free of any 6-R enantiomeric form thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein ring A is benzene substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from chloro, methyl, methylthio, nitro and cyano.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein ring B is benzene substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, nitro and cyano.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X₁ is selected from O and S.
 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X₂ - - - is N═.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X₁ and X₂ - - - with rings A and B form the tricycle dibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine which is substituted or unsubstituted.
 7. A compound according to claim 6, wherein the tricycle dibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine is chloro-substituted at the 8-position.
 8. A compound according to claim 1, wherein n is
 1. 9. A compound according to claim 8, wherein R₂ is selected from H or benzyloxy.
 10. A compound according to claim 1, wherein n is
 2. 11. A compound according to claim 1, selected from8-chloro-11-(6S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo [b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; 8-chloro-11-(6S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-4-yl]-dibenzo [b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; 8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-benzyloxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]-dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; and 8-chloro-11-[(6S)-8-hydroxy-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine.
 12. A compound according to claim 11, selected from8-chloro-11-[(6S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-4-yl]dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine; and 8-chloro-11-[(6S)-1,4-diazabicyclo[4.4 .0]decan-4-yl]dibenzo[b,f]-1,4-oxazepine.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 12, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 14. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a condition mediated by the D4 receptor, comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1-12 in an amount effective to inhibit the D4 receptor.
 16. A method for the treatment of a condition mediated by the D4 receptor, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a composition according to claim
 15. 17. A pharmaceutical composition for treating schizophrenia, comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1-12, in an amount sufficient to produce an antischizophrenia effect, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.
 18. A method for the treatment of schizophrenia, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment, a composition according to claim
 17. 19. A pharmaceutical composition for treating anxiety, comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1-12, in an amount sufficient to produce an antianxiety effect, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.
 20. A method for the treatment of anxiety, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment, a composition according to claim
 19. 